KURAI TRAINING CONTINUES
Hikari keeps mentoring Kurai, who remains in disbelief after witnessing Hikari's Kokkorogan.
She questions how such a power could be activated, to which Hikari, with a stern expression, explains that the Basic Kokkorogan is sensitive to the user's emotions during instances of extreme distress or pressure.
Kurai, visibly frightened, inquires about the nature of these extreme instances.
HIKARI'S GENKAKU
Without a word, Hikari closes and then slowly reopens her eyes, now revealing her Kokkorogan, and tells Kurai, "I will show you," before fixing her gaze on Kurai.
She makes Kurai relive the moment Kosuke tried to abduct her, showing her Kosuke's menacing, unhinged glare as he charges at her.
Kurai screams, pleading with her elder sister to halt, but as Kosuke reaches out to grab her, looking into her eyes threatening to destroy her and everyone she cares about, Kurai's panic soars.
Her adrenaline spikes, heart races, and she manages to flee from Kosuke, only to find herself enveloped in darkness where she can see nothing.
Confused and scared, Kurai utters, "Where am I?" Suddenly, she remembers another abduction by a Ninja from the Land of Fire and as she screams for Inochi, she sees him and tries to run towards him but can't reach him.
Fueled by anger, her Kokkorogan awakens a second time, unwittingly unleashing a technique that breaks through Hikari's illusion - Genkaku.
REALITY
As reality seeps back in, Hikari closely observes Kurai's activated Kokkorogan.
Furious, Kurai confronts Hikari, "Why would you do that? You promised not to do it again."
KURAI'S KOKKOROGAN
Hikari approaches Kurai, showing her the awakened Kokkorogan in her reflection with a kunai.
Hikari enlightens Kurai on her unique ability to delve into someone's traumatic past and manipulate it through illusions, enhancing the trauma significantly.
She mentions that although Kurai's Kokkorogan had activated previously, Kurai herself hadn't noticed.
Kurai has stirred her Kokkorgan into action through an intense emotional experience, leading her to endure a traumatic instance of PTSD due to her being abducted for another occasion, as well as experiencing profound romantic feelings for Inochi.
However, Hikari becomes frustrated upon discovering that Kurai had withheld her own kidnapping ordeal by the Land of Fire Ninja, which Inochi thwarted.
Hikari confronts Kurai about keeping her in the dark, to which Kurai responds she tried reaching out but couldn't.
Hikari, somewhat alleviated that Kurai is safe, vows to monitor her around the clock.
REMATCH HIKARI VS KURAI
She compliments Kurai on advancing through the initial phase of her Kokkorogan's development and urges her to challenge her abilities in a mock battle.
As they begin, Kurai sees everything in what seems like slow motion, admiring the power of her eyes.
"Are you ready? This is a training bout for the Kokkorogan," Hikari inquires, but as their gaze locks, the atmosphere darkens, and the ominous presence of the Dark Dragon emerges.
Hikari narrowly avoids Kurai's attack, and an intense exchange follows.
Kurai's enhanced agility enables her to keep pace with Hikari, executing a maneuver where she springs onto her hands, delivering a dual-footed kick towards Hikari.
Hikari intercepts the assault, retaliating with a circular 360-degree kick.
Kurai, however, ducks in time and launches two punches.
In a swift move, Hikari catches Kurai, attempting a throw.
Yet, Kurai skillfully flips away from Hikari, hurling shuriken in response.
Hikari counters with three backward flips, forms a seal to unleash a fire-class technique while Kurai, airborne, crafts a water-class technique to neutralize the attack.
Impressed by Kurai's counter, Hikari, as Kurai lands, observes as Kurai surges forward at full speed, flinging her kunai.
Hikari, showcasing her skill, snatches the kunai effortlessly, aiming a strike at Kurai.
Kurai, activating her Kokkorogan, evades by swiftly moving under Hikari's arm, toppling Hikari with a leg sweep.
With Hikari grounded and looking up, Kurai, fuelled by enthusiasm, declares, "Yes, I finally got you this time."
KURAI WINS?
In response, Hikari, with a chuckle, responds, "My silly little sister, this bout is concluded, you aren't even close to beating me."
Kurai retorts, "Ummm, hello? Can't you see the predicament you're in right now? You're down, and I'm standing.
" Hikari gently caresses Kurai's cheekbone, letting go only to gesture to their left from her position on the ground.
GENKAKU
Kurai turns to look and is stunned to find Hikari perched on a branch of a Sakura tree, sitting with her legs crossed and one hand on her cheek, her gaze fixed through her Kokkorogan, revealing, "You've been ensnared in my Genkaku since the match begun."
Kurai's eyes widen in disbelief at the extent of Hikari's prowess.
Hikari then explains the allure of Kurai's immense power to their foes and reassures her of her safety under her training.
Excited, Kurai inquires about learning Genkaku, to which Hikari agrees, eager to prepare her sister for the exams and to flaunt the prowess of the Hinotori.
EMOTIONS
Their conversation shifts to their parents, with Kurai expressing her longing for them.
Hikari comforts her, mentioning that Sakura has become their sanctuary and surprises Kurai with news of their parents' expected visit during the semi-exams.
Elated, Kurai can hardly believe it, prompting Hikari to motivate her to resume training to make their parents proud.
"That's my sister," Hikari exclaims, both ready to continue their preparation.
KURAI'S PROGRESSION
Hikari undertakes the role of instructing Kurai in enhancing her proficiency with her Kokkorogan, alongside imparting knowledge of Genkaku, albeit not at the level of Hikari's own mastery.
Furthermore, she aids Kurai in honing her hand-to-hand fighting skills and introduces her to the Hinotori style of swordsmanship, manifesting flames onto the blade like Itami Hinotori.
Due to Kurai's ability to observe the fighting techniques through her Kokkorogan, she progresses swiftly.
Following a productive training session, Hikari decides it's enough for the day and suggests they resume later and that she has a mission.
When Kurai inquires if Hikari could prepare shrimp Ramen later, Hikari responds affirmatively with a smile, sparking excitement in Kurai.
Holding Hikari's hand, they both set off towards home.